Raise Tennis’s Appeal

Written by: Hayley Hranicky-Galitzer on 29th July 2010

Raise Tennis's Appeal

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 30: Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the USA celebrate winning a point in their men's doubles final match against Daniel Nestor of Canada and Nenad Zimonjic of Serbia during day thirteen of the 2010 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 30, 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Lucas Dawson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Bob Bryan;Mike Bryan |

Wednesday’s matches at the Farmers Classic got me thinking. The tennis community has been trying to raise public appeal, but what could tournament directors and tour managers do to make tennis even more appealing? Here are my top 3 changes or rather implements that could put tennis as main stage entertainment.

1.More enthusiastic tennis aficionados.

Someone needs to invite Sam Querrey’s Samurai team to all of the tournaments. The Los Angeles crowd was a buzz with the shirtless fellows’ entertainment.

2.More fan and player interaction.

Besides the occasional autograph signing, there is not much interaction. Though it may not be possible to ask players to engage while playing, an after match interview and game with fans could work. Fans were giddy with excitement when the Bryan brothers stay post match to hit some balls with some junior players.

3. More entertainment on water breaks.

Did someone say kiss cam? Though the players might not be bored, the drone of the 90 second changeover could be made a little bit more bearable by using the screens with games and such.

Topics: Autograph, Buzz, Changeover, Drone, Excitement, Farmers, Fellows, Implements, Little Bit, Main Stage Entertainment, Match, Player Interaction, Public Appeal, Sam Querrey, Samurai, Screens, Tennis Community, Tour Managers, Tournament Directors, Water Breaks